Hello readers! I know I mentioned an Easter post at the beginning of my last post for Spring Break, but the semester has picked up again with its workload. I did take pictures though, and they will be included in my seasonal "Spring 2018" post. But for now, lets move on to the next event I mentioned: a trip to Providence, RI.
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Thursday April 12th
Most of you are probably wondering why someone would take a trip to Rhode Island toward the end of the spring semester and not during spring break. I was lucky enough to have research accepted by the Northeast Regional Honors Council to be presented at their annual conference. While last year it was hosted in Pittsburgh, PA (a place I have little interest of traveling to), this year it was to be held in Providence, a city I have always wanted to visit. I went along with 19 other students from Salisbury University, 13 of which were other freshmen. We departed from Salisbury at 7 in the morning, cutting through NYC as well as its many commuter towns in NY and CT.
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| This photo was taken at a rest stop in New Jersey before entering the Big Apple. You can spot the skyline in the background if you look closely. Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban) Italy Cotton Quarter-Zip (Vineyard Vines) University Stripe OCBD (Ralph Lauren) Sutton Chinos (J. Crew) Horsebit Loafers (Cole Haan) |
- Vineyard Vines Quarter Zip- Bought from Rehoboth Beach, DE outlet store. The cotton quarter-zip is a staple in my spring wardrobe. While not looked upon favorably by the old guard, I recommend Vineyard Vines as a source of these sweaters and pullovers for times when its too warm for a Patagonia or wool pullover but too chilly for just a shirt. A much more contemporary preppy look than the Ivy styled v-neck or crew.
- Ralph Lauren University Stripe OCBD- Pink and green pairing on point.
- J. Crew Sutton Chinos- See other posts.
- Cole Haan Horsebit Loafers- Mainly retired during the cooler months in favor of my Aldens and Bean Boots. Now making their way out of hibernation. For more, see other posts.
We arrived in Providence around 3:30. We would be staying in the heart of "down-city" at the Omni Providence hotel, which also housed the Providence Convention Center where our conference would be held. Being only four men on the trip (not including the Honors College Dean), we were put two to a room.
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| The view from my hotel room wasn't bad at all! |
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| The Omni also housed a massive indoor gym and swimming pool on its sixth floor. I made use of the pool and hot tub several times during my stay, and it became one of the primary meeting place for students of other schools at the conference. |
The hotel was also connected to the nearby Providence Place Mall by sky-walk. After attending a conference sponsored game night, I headed over to the mall with my roommate for dinner at the food court.
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| Don't hate on mall sushi until you've tried it. It was definitely worth more than the small price they charged. |
After my roommate returned to the hotel, I decided to further explore the mall. I was definitely impressed by its wide selection, but mostly by its J. Crew, which had the most helpful staff I've ever experienced at one. That night, it was hosting a fundraiser party for a local non-profit, complete with a guitar player. I made sure to buy a pair of socks before returning to the hotel.
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| Not a J.Crew Factory store by any means! |
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| Despite their heavy appearance, these herringbone socks are appropriate for any weather (that requires socks)! |
Friday April 13th
Today was our designated time to explore the city before the presenting of research actually kicked off. Much to my delight, we would not be toured around the city by a guide, but rather by ourselves. We started off as one large group of SU freshman and we made off to visit Brown and then the waterfront. The city reminded me of a mix of Alexandria, VA with a less crowded and dirty Baltimore. We walked through the campus of Brown for about 10 minutes while attracting the evil eye of the University's students who were probably scoffing at us for being the out-of-towners we were. I didn't blame them at all. If SU attracted the number of tourists Brown did, I'm pretty sure I'd be that way too.
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| This photo was taken before our hasty departure from the Brown campus. Monogrammed Polo Shirt (L.L. Bean) Nautical Flag Motif Belt (Leatherman Ltd.) USA Accutron Watch (Bulova) Switzerland |
- L.L. Bean Monogrammed Polo Shirt- Bought from Bean's website. L.L. Bean puts out a killer polo shirt for an unbeatable price of only $35! A monogram only costs $8 extra for non-cardholders, while it is free for those with the L.L. Bean Visa Card. A cardholder myself, I enjoy free shipping and returns, as well as the complimentary monogramming services. A monogram beats out a pony, whale, sheep, or even alligator any day!
- Leatherman Ltd. Motif Belt- Now that Vineyard Vines has started importing their belts, I recommend the Connecticut made Leatherman as a safe and superior alternative (not to mention cheaper). I own another with an anchor motif, and plan on continuing my collection as soon as I find another store that carries them. For more, see my Alexandria, VA post.
- Bulova Accutron Watch- See other posts.
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| Providence skyline as seen from our waterfront walk. |
After walking along the waterfront for a while, we decided to get lunch at a local sandwich shop closer to the hotel. Naturally, I took the opportunity to get my share of some fine New England cuisine with a bowl of clam chowder and Del's Lemonade to wash it down.
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| The last time I was in New England was a time I couldn't stand clam chowder. Six years later, and I can't get enough of it. |
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| A Rhode Island tradition. |
After lunch, our main group split up into three smaller ones to either return to the hotel, go shopping, or explore the city. Wanting to see more of the town, I went with the latter of the three. We first returned to the hotel to change, as the temperature had dropped. It was during this brief stop at the hotel that I spotted David Letterman in the lobby headed to the bar. Unfortunately, I did not take the opportunity to get a photo, as I was unsure about whether or not it was him until one of my friends saw him the following day. After departing from the hotel, we visited a Roger Williams visitor center, where we found out too late that a bus ran from Providence to Newport, where I and several others in our group had wanted to visit. Slightly disappointed, we then made our way to the State House.
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| Inside the State House is not only the legislative offices of RI, but also the charter for the colony. |
After touring the state house, we then returned to the hotel yet again, but I couldn't get enough of the city, and decided to set out again several minutes after getting back. I ventured into a part of the downtown in search of a men's clothing store, and soon found what I was looking for in the form of a vintage store. While it did carry vintage preppy staples from Brooks, Bean, Pendleton, Woolrich, etc., it presented more of a hipster vibe. After walking around the city more, I then returned to the hotel for the evening. The conference put on a banquet at 7:30, followed by a keynote speaker that went until 9:30. While we had initially wanted to go out and explore the city's nightlife, the presentations the next day kept us from doing so.
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| Not knowing about the long speech awaiting us. Blue OCBD (Lands End) USA Navy Blazer (Belk) USA * Embroidered Whale Shorts (Ralph Lauren *not pictured |
- Lands End Blue OCBD- One of two blue OCBDs brought to RI with me. See Alexandria, VA post for more.
- Belk Navy Blazer- First appearance it would make before being worn all of Saturday and Sunday. For more, see other posts.
- Ralph Lauren Embroidered Whale Shorts- Definitely turned some heads at this dinner. Whenever the dress code is vague, shorts with a blazer is always the compromise. Business on top, party on bottom. For more, see other posts, but especially Alexandria, VA for this combination.
Saturday April 14th
Today was the first day of research presentation for the conference. While I wouldn't present until Sunday, I still made my best efforts to attend the sessions of other SU students. Breakfast consisted of pastries and coffee provided by the conference, so I decided to up my game by getting brunch at one of the hotel's restaurants, Centro.
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| Sausage, home fried potatoes, and toast. Brunch had never been more filling than this! (Don't let the picture fool you. They give quite large portions.) |
After a day of attending research presentations, lounging poolside, and keeping a watchful eye out for David Letterman (who I never saw again), I then went out with my friends to a upscale pizza place for dinner. Unfortunately, I did not take any pictures, but can tell you that the restaurant was Providence Coal Fired Pizza in the city's downtown. After eating, we then returned to the hotel for the nautical themed student gala.
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| Captain Tom sets sail from Providence. Coast Guard beware! Sailboat Bow Tie (Vineyard Vines) USA White OCBD (J. Crew) |
- Vineyard Vines Sailboat Bow Tie- Nautical themed dances come with options. Wear an ascot and captain's hat for a Thurston Howell III or yacht club vibe? Or Nantucket Reds for the look of a Yankee sailor? Or embrace youth with a nautical themed bow tie? While I had all three options at my disposal, I decided upon the most contemporary and youthful one. Paired with casual khakis and sock-less loafers for a less contrived look of pressed slacks and coordinated socks. You're only in college once! For more, see other posts.
- J. Crew White OCBD- I try not to concern myself with a collar roll when wearing bow ties. This being said, it is my go-to shirt for anything but a straight tie. For more, see other posts.
Sunday April 15th
I finally presented my research this morning, but took no pictures were taken from the presentation. We departed from Providence at 10 am and arrived home at 6 pm. In all, my trip to Providence was amazing! I recommend it to anyone wanting the urban New England experience but not wanting to venture as far up as Boston. My only regrets are that I couldn't stay longer, and that I didn't get a picture with David Letterman.
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